Flatbush Avenue roared with energy on Sunday, September 14th, as Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa cut the ribbon on his new campaign office at 2049 Flatbush Avenue, turning a grand opening into a full-fledged street rally.
Nearly 400 supporters spilled onto the block, waving American flags and holding up signs that read “Curtis Sliwa for Mayor” and “Fighting for Brooklyn,” while cars and buses honked in solidarity and passersby stopped to cheer the man many call the People’s Mayor.
The crowd was a true representation of New York’s rich diversity —African-American, Caribbean, Asian, Jewish, Muslim and more — reflecting Sliwa’s claim that his campaign is a movement beyond ethnic and party lines and demonstrates a broad coalition of support, not reflected by mainstream media.
Patriotic music blasted, courtesy of DJ Ross “The Boss” Failace, president of Back the Blue and member of the grassroots organization, “New Yorkers First” led by Ron Canterino, who kept the electricity in the air and on the mic, welcoming and rallying the crowd, introducing the day’s lineup of speakers.
Assemblywoman Jamie Williams, who represents the 59th District, brought down the house with her official endorsement, declaring, “Curtis has stood with our community from Day One — through every rally, every protest, every struggle. He’s not just running for mayor; he’s been fighting for us all along.” She was joined by Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, who praised Sliwa as the city’s best hope to restore safety, quality of life and an end to corruption. “Don’t listen to the polls,” Novakhov urged, pointing out their historical inaccuracy. “We have the momentum to win this election!”
Sliwa then picked up the mic again, praising Williams, a Democrat; Novakhov, a Republican; and others such as Queens Councilman Bob Holden, who leads “Democrats for Sliwa,” for their unshakeable support for his candidacy, solidarity and representing the return to commonsense policies that encompass the values of all New Yorkers.
Inside and outside the storefront, the enthusiasm was unmistakable. At the close of all the speeches, supporters poured in for coffee, refreshments, t-shirts and conversation, lining up for lawn signs, posters and snapping up palm cards, while volunteers signed up in large numbers that campaign staff joked about running out of pens. Donations flowed from ordinary blue-collar, working-class citizens and homeowners. Building owner Ben DiConstanza, a longtime community contributor who runs several local charities and food pantries, pledged his support and rallied his network of pastors to spread the word.
Sliwa, energized and focused, used the moment to hammer home promises: halting controversial lithium-ion battery plants and homeless shelters in residential neighborhoods, hiring 7,000 additional police officers, restoring protections for law enforcement, appointing the city’s first Asian-American deputy mayor, and championing small businesses and homeowners against overdevelopment and the “City of Yes.” “This is about improving our neighborhoods, not moving out of them,” he told the cheering crowd. His signature campaign slogan is “Improve, Don’t Move.”
The Flatlands office marks a major milestone, giving Sliwa’s campaign an active presence in all five boroughs — with Bay Ridge next on the list. Long regarded as one of the most contested areas in southern Brooklyn, Bay Ridge has traditionally been a swing district, and Sliwa made clear it will be a top focus in the weeks ahead.
At one point, as passing drivers honked and waved, Sliwa grinned and leaned into the microphone: “Everybody loves Curtis,” he quipped, riffing on the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. “But if you love me, and you love this city, you need to get out and vote for me.” Early voting runs October 25th through November 2nd, with Election Day on November 4th.
To say the opening was a success is an understatement. Supporters left energized, carrying lawn signs, posters and flyers back to their neighborhoods, promising to spread the word. “We are building strength in every borough,” Sliwa said as the rally wrapped up. “Together, we’re going to win this city.”
